Image stabilisation or not?

[John Liddle]

I know that one should disable IS when the camera is mounted on a tripod - but what about when mounted on a monopod?

Although I find a monopod gives a much more stable view through the camera, it is nowhere near as stable as using a tripod.

What do others do?

[@imagesBV]

Re: Image stabilisation or not?

I have a monopod but never use it....I agree with you it doesn't give that absolute certainty of no movement....they only stop movement in one axis, the vertical leaving left/right and forward/backward only assisted. I think the theory is that your own two legs are supposed to make up the tripod effect with the monopod being the third. Yes I agree IS should be off...but not sure on that because there is still movement in two axis....so I'm in the same boat as you on this. Sorry that's not much help....I'll experiment myself.

[antoeknee]

Re: Image stabilisation or not?

I have and use a monopod from time to time. My view on monopod use is as an aid to take the weight of heavy kit, there will be some help to stability but not comparable to a tripod as you're still holding the camera.

As there will still be some movement I've always left IS on.

[Quentin]

Re: Image stabilisation or not?

I have and use a monopod from time to time. My view on monopod use is as an aid to take the weight of heavy kit, there will be some help to stability but not comparable to a tripod as you're still holding the camera.

As there will still be some movement I've always left IS on.

+1 for the same reason.
Quentin

[Tigger]

Re: Image stabilisation or not?

I have and use a monopod from time to time. My view on monopod use is as an aid to take the weight of heavy kit, there will be some help to stability but not comparable to a tripod as you're still holding the camera.

As there will still be some movement I've always left IS on.

yep agree - its just something to take the weight not stabilise the camera

[AndyMulhearn]

Re: Image stabilisation or not?

I'm going to sort of disagree with some of you here. A monopod is there to stabilise the camera but probably not to the extent that it will avoid shutter blur. I find mine, when I use it, very useful in helping to keep the focus points on the target rather than waving around all over the place in the breeze...

[ST-EOS]

Image stabilisation or not?

I'm just reading the destruction (sic) book for my 16-35 f4 [emoji8](I sold a kidney) and it states " The stabiliser is equally effective for hand held photography and photography with a monopd"

[Tigger]

Re: Image stabilisation or not?

" The stabiliser is equally effective for hand held photography and photography with a monopd"

LOL..what a pointless statement - I assume they say the same for camera as well ;o)

PS - enjoy the new lens its a cracker ....

[John Liddle]

Re: Image stabilisation or not?

Many thanks to all who have replied - the consensus seems to be for IS on with a monopod which coincides with my own thoughts. As Andy says, the monopod can form the 3rd leg of a tripod in conjunction with your own legs, and I usually try to position the monopod foot forward of the vertical through the camera for that reason.

[Dave_S]

Re: Image stabilisation or not?

Yep, for me, on a tripod IS is off, but on the monopod, the IS is always on.

Dave

[the black fox]

Re: Image stabilisation or not?

the jury is out on this one ,i think that if your doing landscapes ,portraits etc then yes the i.s should be off when on a tripod ,however if your doing moving subjects i.e birds in flight ,airshows ,car racing etc then even when tripod mounted the i.s should be engaged ,and leave on at all times when monopod mounted

[antoeknee]

Re: Image stabilisation or not?

Think that's pretty much correct. I've a friend who uses a gimbal for bird photography and keeps IS on.

On a monopod movement should be less than hand holding but it isn't going to be completely still as when on a tripod for landscapes for instance.

[pelliott1954]

Re: Image stabilisation or not?

Interesting thread this, I have been using a Monopod for the Cricket shots some of you may have seen in the Sports section, I have many times wondered at what speed does the IS become ineffective or does it even become a disadvantage at higher speeds, over 1000 for example???

Regards Paul

[John Liddle]

Re: Image stabilisation or not?

Thanks to all for the additional thoughts - I think I shall keep the IS on for monopod shots.

[the black fox]

Re: Image stabilisation or not?

Interesting thread this, I have been using a Monopod for the Cricket shots some of you may have seen in the Sports section, I have many times wondered at what speed does the IS become ineffective or does it even become a disadvantage at higher speeds, over 1000 for example???

Regards Paul

Certainly not seen any high speed problems with the sig monster ,I suppose a lot depends on actual lens and when it was developed